288 OUR BODIES AND HOW WE LIVE 



extracted by the forefinger, or they may be forced out of 

 the passages by prompt and vigorous slaps on the back. 



If the object has actually passed into the windpipe, caus- 

 ing sudden fits of spasmodic coughing, with a dusky hue 

 of the face and fingers, surgical help must be called with- 

 out delay. 



If small objects, like coins, pencils, keys, nails, buttons, 

 etc., are swallowed, it is not necessary to take physic. 

 Hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and potatoes should be freely 

 eaten, so that the intruding substance may be infolded in 

 a mass of solid food and carried safely through the bowels. 



The back of the throat should be examined in a strong 

 light, for the body may be arrested at the entrance to the 

 gullet, and, if seen, can often be dislodged by the fingers or 

 some improvised instrument. 



398. Foreign Bodies in the Ear. Children sometimes push 

 into the ear such small articles as grains of corn, buttons, 

 pebbles, or beans. Syringe in a little warm water, which 

 will often wash out any substance which is not likely to 

 swell. If the substance, however, is likely to swell, do not 

 syringe the ear, but try to remove the foreign body by 

 gently extracting it with some homemade apparatus. 



If live insects get into the ear, drop in a little sweet oil, 

 glycerin, melted vaseline, or warm sirup. If the tip of the 

 ear is pulled up gently, the liquid will flow in more readily. 

 If a light is held close to the outside of the ear, the insect 

 may be coaxed to crawl out, being attracted by the bright 

 flame. 



399. Foreign Bodies in the Eye. Cinders, particles of 

 dust, bits of metal, and other small bodies may get into the 

 eye and cause much pain. Never rub the eye. Hold the 

 lid away from the eyeball and the tears will usually wash 



